Friday, March 17, 2006


*I posted this on Syazwina Saw Stops Here, my other ranting blog, and the original continuance of this oft- and long-neglected blog. I thought it was one of my posts with a better train of logical thought, and alhamdulillah, it has at least one comment tagged to it, by Maddie the BraveHeart: "How... refreshing. :)"

And I don't know about you, but I take it to be a pretty good sign. Heh.

Wish my right leg the best of health, so I can go do the tourist thing tomorrow at Phillip Island and see the fairy penguins. I don't care what Zulus says; a penguin is a penguin, and I shall squeal even if it walks in an undignified way. And even if it's so tiny, tak penuh pun celah gigi. I am NOT that barbaric...*


Assalamualaikum w.b.t.

Excuse me, but just what is happening in the world today?

I personally think some people in the world made some very, very awful New Year's resolutions. Otherwise, how would you explain the fact that everywhere we turn, there are news victimizing Muslims all over the world? All of a sudden, we are becoming fugitives in our own world. Fingers are pointing at us, with hypocricy leading the way openly and shamelessly.

Iran is being persecuted, merely because they think their right to sovereignity is more important than to succumb to the outstanding pressure by people who simply do not understand them.

Our teacher, our guide, the al-Muallim who led a revolution for all mankind, and possibly the most tolerant, kind and patient leader we have ever known -- mankind's last prophet, Muhammad (may peace be upon him) has been ridiculed in widely-syndicated press, and all in the name of freedom of speech.

Rallies and demonstrations by people who are simply defending our right to practicing our religion, and demanding the same respect we give to others, are depicted as barbaric people in white turbans.A nation who has been persecuted recklessly and without valid excuse, Palestine, is not even granted their rights to tax rebates, merely because they have practiced the democracy that the West claim was theirs to begin with.

This all begins and ends with ignorance.

People of the world are ignorant of Muslims and what we represent. They do not know the truth of our religion, because somewhere throughout the years, we have felt shamed by being Muslims. We feel restricted in our own skin. We feed our own ignorance without shame. People who outwardly show their piety are 'uncool', 'conservative', 'behind the times', 'lost in modernity'. Islam, according to most people, is not relevant in the world anymore.

Right.

Seeing as how I do not have sufficient knowledge to discuss the merits of the religion while comparing its simple logic to others, I will not touch upon that here. After all, "we seek to understand, before we seek to be understood." But I think that that's exactly what has to be stressed upon here:

The importance of knowledge.

That's one misconception that people have of Islam. They think that in order to be Muslims, we have resist ourselves form the wave of knowledge and modernity. Islam does not, in fact, encourage ignorance, what else complete and total ignorance. Allah despices ignorance. Allah has promised to raise a person in His favour, should the person seek to learn.

So there is nothing holding back the new generation of the ummah from rising again, really. Nothing but ourselves.

When we judge something we do not know, and do not bother to learn, merely from what is being said about it from other parties, then we have truly discredited ourselves as human beings. For example, I would like to invite all of you, especially my Muslim friends, to read Dr Kareem's article at AlJazeera.com. There, we can see the fully atrocious, shameful, ridiculous comments against people who have merely stated their opinion in a calm, logical manner. As it turns out, some people do not need an excuse to be barbaric. In fact, they are more often than not, the very same people who preach civility and condemn terrorism.

Now, THAT is a first-class example of how ignorance looks like. A'uzubillahi min zalik. Allah protect us from such a pitiful state.

But the real reason I brought that up is because I am frustrated at the way many of my friends refuse to opine about anything. Maybe I find it frustrating because I usually like to talk about stuff that are mind-provoking, although they usually end up people-provoking. But really now, every time I mention something about, say, politics, or current amendments in law.

More often than not, the general excuse given will be that it is a 'sensitive issue', and should not be discussed in public.Now, I think that that is another case-example of ignorance. I personally think that if you want to succeed, you have to have principles. You have to let them grow and flourish, but never let them dominate your mind until you have no space for new opinions and principles, even if they opposed you own. I mean, if something is right and true, then nothing can change that, right?

Why are we so scared to tackle serious issues? I mean, this is our country, whether we love it or hate it. We will inherit it. And we hold the metaphorical key to fixing the world in our hands. Why must we shy away from something that is our birthright? We must we prove right the adults who look down on us with disdain, because they think we are ignorant and irresponsible and shallow?

I'd hate to prove them right. And everyone else claims that too, but 'fess up: What have YOU done to better your mind today?

Time is a neutral thing. It will chase us down our road if we misuse it and take it for granted, or it will guide us to better and greater things, insyaAllah, if we learn to appreciate what we have been given. That is stated in the Quran. And though I know some people shall disagree, when it is stated in the Quran, it is true. Don't believe me? Take a look for yourself. It is no man-made marvel, honey. Because trust me, no human is that good.

And another thing? Tolerance is key. If nothing else, when we our opinions differ so much, we must simply agree to disagree.

Sigh. Such troubles in the world today.

As a final word, if anything I have said or done may have hurt or insulted you in anyway, I apologize in advance. I admit, my brain is very loopy, and I may not have all the facts straight. But I hope I have done them justice.

Wallahu 'alam.

Wasalam.

this has been a rant by Syazwina Saw at 9:58 pm

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